Consumer Watchdog

Arnold’s Anthem

Arnold looked like the HMOs' Superhero today when his HMO regulator suddenly blessed the nation's largest health insurance acquisition; Anthem's buyout of…

Calif. insurance commissioner rejects Anthem-WellPoint merger

Associated Press Critics suggested that Blue Cross has underpaid insurance taxes by $500 million since it became a for-profit corporation in 1994.…

Senate Junk Fax “Prevention” Bill Paves Way For More Junk Faxes

Plan Allows Businesses to Junk Fax Any Customer From Past Seven Years

Out to Lunch

Arnold missed the vote on the budget in the Capitol today, deciding instead to meet with San Diegans for lunch at a…

On Girlie Men and Our Manly Governor

The Los Angeles Times Amount Schwarzenegger has raised for himself and committees he controls since the day he said he doesn't need…

Dick Cheney, Insurance Salesman

Center for American Progress The state of California put medical malpractice caps in place in 1975. A 1993 study of medical malpractice…

Hybrid Cars Get a Big Push; Not So Fast, Others Say;

Officials want to give incentives to owners of fuel-efficient vehicles. But transit experts decry a bill that would let solo drivers use…

Both sides lashing out at special interests;

What they are is tied to who's talkingThe San Francisco Chronicle "He's up to his hips in mud while calling all the…

Junk Faxer Fights Back;

Fined Aliso Viejo firm countersues to protect its perceived right to send unsolicited fliers. Foes call it intimidation.The Los Angeles Times An…

Politics or protecting policyholders?

As Anthem's merger stalls, different theories arise about the holdupThe Indianapolis Star Jerry Flanagan, consumer advocate for the nonprofit FTCR, which has…

A Budget Coup d’Etat

In a press conference this evening to explain the budget stalemate, Arnold repeatedly blamed special interests for getting in the way of…

EDITORIAL: REDRESS WHEN WRONGED? FORGET ABOUT IT

THE SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER What right do all government officials have that the taxpayers who pay their salaries don't? After two recent rulings…

BLUE SHIELD OFFERS REBATES TO NEEDY

The Daily News of Los Angeles Jerry Flanagan, lead health care advocate at the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa…

Toxic Removal from the CalEPA

As more comes to light about Arnold's environmental decisions (as opposed to his green-friendly promises) the green luster is starting to fade.…

Follow the Money

Why does Gavin Newsom need a backer like the California Urban Issues Project?San Francisco Weekly (California) FTCR asked the IRS to reconsider…

Edwards vs. Bush Will Put Spotlight on Patients’ Rights

Bush Administration Drug Benefit May Result in Loss of Employer Sponsored Coverage

Fixing Drug Law Should be a Top Priority of Bush and Kerry

Hired firm out of line with governor’s job pledge

Pasadena Star-News (Pasadena, CA) "Schwarzenegger has signed a contract with a company that specializes in sending local jobs overseas," said Doug Heller,…